Nicole O-Pries is a licensed clinical social worker in Virginia and a certified family trauma practitioner. She is a certified practitioner in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Level 1 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. O-Pries brings nearly 20 years of nonprofit experience, much of which has focused on developing effective services for youth and families who have experienced trauma.

O-Pries is currently an assistant professor at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Social Work, where she teaches courses focused on trauma-informed and trauma-focused social work practice, clinical practice, and social justice. Her service work includes active membership in the Greater Richmond Trauma-Informed Community Network, as well as being a program advisory member of the Children’s Mental Health Network and advising local nonprofits regarding integration of Trauma-Informed Care principles.

Outside of her role at VCU, O-Pries maintains a small private telemental health practice for adults who experience traumatic stress and anxiety. She also provides consultations and training for human service professionals, advocates and educators about topics related to trauma-informed care, compassion fatigue, and telemental health practice.